Notre Dame (1-2) vs. Duke (1-2) Game Preview

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The offense is turning it over, it’s not taking advantage of its opportunities, and it’s not scoring enough against other smart schools. However, the passing game has been fine without the injured Thomas Sirk, getting a big year so far out of Daniel Jones and an attack that should be able to roll up close to 300 yards if it gets rolling.

This isn’t going to be Cal or Texas Tech winging it around, and Jones hasn’t thrown a touchdown pass in the last two games, but Notre Dame has had problems so far in a patchwork secondary.

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The Blue Devil defense has more than held its own so far, partly because it hasn’t played an offense with a pulse, and partly because the pass rush has been steady and sensational, coming up with 14 sacks in the first three games bring the pressure from a variety of spots.

Duke has to generate pressure or …

Why Notre Dame Will Win

DeShone Kizer will pick the Blue Devil secondary apart.

So far, it’s been easy with the mediocre quarterbacks on the schedule, but Northwestern still bombed away for 320 yards and three scores last week.

Kizer has been even better than the growing hype considering the issues at receiver, but as long as he’s hitting the midrange throws and getting a little bit of time, he should keep the chains moving.

Yeah, the Duke passing game should be okay, but it’s not an explosive attack and it’s not putting points on the board like it should be. Field position will matter, and that’s where Tyler Newsome comes in, averaging over 44 yards per punt and doing a great job so far at tilting the field – he was one of the bright spots against Michigan State.

Give Duke a long field to work with, and relax.

What’s Going To Happen?

It’s the first game of the rest of Notre Dame’s life, and it’ll play the part of a team looking to become relevant again.

Duke just doesn’t score enough. This isn’t the dangerous offensive team of the last few years, and it’s not going to go on enough of a run to make the Irish sweat.

Expect balance, a few early scores, and a brutally effective day from Kizer on the way to an easy win.